Just a short little drabble of our two favorite and beloved characters. Enjoy!
"Sleeping next to someone you love makes you fall asleep faster, reduces depression, and helps you live longer" - Quotling
A clear night illuminated only by the glint of starlight and the radiance of a bright moon. At midnight, yellow beams of streetlight would illuminate the invading darkness, casting a myriad of shadows upon the asphalt. Stars shone as sugar spilt over black marble, glistening in the sun. The night sky was such a welcome sight, appearing like magic at each sunset, promising to return as she faded in dawn's first light. There were times in the daytime, under skies of blue, Maui would think of those faraway stars and how they'd return after the shadows blended into the dark.
But maybe the best thing for him right now, would be for him to get the sleep that he needed. Though considering the fact that he is indeed the Demigod of the wind and sea, and hero to all, demigods weren't really ones who needed to sleep. Granted, it was more of privilege that they even had the option of sleeping if they really wanted to.
Maui on the other hand, was different than most.
Sure. He loved his sleep. He valued it. But for some reason, on nights like this, he was never able to find himself being able to fall asleep. He wasn't sure why. Or what the reasoning was for that matter. He could never put his finger on it.
But it wasn't like he was forced to find a place outside to sleep like he always had to do. Normally, he would be cold and shivering amongst the thick sand and cool breeze that nightfall would bring upon him. The thatched roof of the Chief's tent made sure to provide the warmth that was needed. The Kapa moe that was pulled over his body was soft and cozy. All of Motunui's villagers were happily abiding in their slumbers. Curled up against one another for protection and security.
Tonight, he couldn't sleep. Though he wanted to. But he couldn't. However, he supposed the part of him that was the demigod of the wind and sea was snoozing contentedly by now, concerned only with who and what would gallantly be in need of his godly duties the next day. The part of him that was simply just Maui was preoccupied with other matters, namely those concerning the curly headed mortal who was currently cuddled up in his side next to him.
Snoring.
For a mortal who was twice (more like three times) the size smaller than him, having Moana by his side was actually quite warm. But Maui was certain for her specifically, that it was the other way around. Considering the fact that she had her head rested on his muscled bicep, the flesh of her back blanketing his bare chest, and the way how her small body fit so effortlessly into his side was proof that she found her comfort in cuddling by his side at bedtime.
For a while, he just stares down at her, supressing the urge to laugh out loud at the sounds of her snoring. He wondered if she was aware that she snored. But with a personality like Moana's (daring and determined), it was obvious that the first thing that would come out of her mouth would be words of denial. Instead, he lets out a soft chuckle, absentmindedly resting his chin amongst the crown of her head. Her hair tickles his nose, the scent of fresh coconut oil and lavender meets his nostrils, and his lips curled into a grin. Proof that she had taken his advice of knowing what to do when it came to properly nurturing her hair.
Despite its undoubted contribution to his so-called insomnia, in a way, Maui found her snoring to be endearing. If hearing her snoring meant the opportunity for him to be her 'blanket' that she was able to cuddle with at night, then he definitely would not change that for the world.
It was nice knowing that he had a 'home' to come to whenever he needed. She and her people had welcomed him with open arms and grateful smiles. They wanted him here. She wanted him here. And he'd be damned if he was going to let her, or any of her people down.
After all, he was Maui. Demigod of the Wind and Sea. Hero to All.
Yes. He would continuously ask himself what on earth he had done to deserve a special kind of friendship. Especially from the Chief of Motunui itself. They had a relationship that was unique. But something that not even mankind could know himself. It was special. Their friendship had a deeper meaning than most. They bickered like a married couple. They exchanged playful banters and innocent jokes like a big brother and little sister would. They confided in each other like best friends would.
That was their relationship.
It was theirs. No one else's.
Sure, she may be Moana. Chieftess of Motunui. Mother to her people. She may be the epitome of graceful strength and a leader. She was everything that the little girls looked up to. And she was the daughter of the high Chief and Chieftess.
And yet, here she was. Curled up in a ball like a human babe, cuddled in his side. Using his bicep as her pillow and snoring softly.
Of course. She was all those things.
But she was his. His best friend. The little sister that he never had. His soul mate.
And no one was going to take that away.
And because she was his best friend, a thought crossed his mind. He wondered if now would be the brightest idea to bring this up. But even Maui knew that he couldn't stop himself from doing so.
"Hey, Curly."
He whispers. The thick vibrations from his chest are enough to jolt Moana gently from her sleep, though she makes unintelligible grumbling sounds, and tries to back to sleep. A low chuckle from him, and tries again.
"Curly?"
More grumbling sounds slip past her lips. She's content in her peaceful slumber. And part of her is debating whether or not she should elbow in him in his gut to leave her alone so she could go back to sleep. The snoring stops, but her eyes remained closed. Maui knew she was awake, but was aware of the fact that she was ignoring him. Hoping he would get the hint.
"How about we go sailing?" He suggested kindly. His voice is thick with gravel.
Of course he would be insane to make this kind of request. "Maui…." Her voice is scratchy, gravelly. "Not now. It's late." She grumbles into the beef of his bicep.
He chuckles. "No, I meant once the sun rises, Little one."
"If you're suggesting we go to Lalotai again, then forget it."
"Oh please, do you really think I'm that irresponsible?"
She's quiet. Considering his words. "….Maybe." Her eyes are still closed.
He makes a small dent in his brow. Seeming offended by her choice in words. But even Maui didn't need to look over to see that her lips had curled into a tiny smirk. Proof that she seemed satisfied with her answer. He knows he shouldn't do this. But after that, maybe it wouldn't be so bad to let her have a taste of her own medicine.
"Curly, has anyone ever told you that your snoring is loud?"
Her eyes shoot open. And this time, she cranes her neck to look over her shoulder at him.
"What?"
He looks her right in the eye. "You snore when you sleep."
Her brows merge to a scowl. And a small gasp slips past her lips. "I do not!" She hisses.
"Yes." He nods, smirking. "Yes, you do."
"Do not!"
"Do too."
She sticks her tongue at him and shoves her face into the flesh of his bicep. And just to be saucy, she hip checks him in the gut, earning an oomf in the process. He grumbles at this, and a sly grin spreads across her lips.
"That's what you get for making fun of the Chief, Shark Head."
He glares down at her. But he shakes his head, and lets a small chuckle slip through the seam of his lips. Clearly this was no time for arguing. They had a long day in the morning. And the last thing she needed was to be bantering with her best friend at the wee hours of the night. So the least he could do was to grant her the courtesy of being able to fall asleep and get the rest that her body desperately needed.
"Alright, Curly. You win this time."
"Mm." She hummed, and then yawned. "I thought so."
He smiles as she cuddles herself closer towards him. He leans down to rest his chin atop of her head. Bodies pressed against one another.
"But seriously though," He whispers, his eyelids suddenly becoming heavy. "Why don't we sail to O'ahu tomorrow? I know you've always wanted to go there. What do you say?"
She smiles at her words. Though eyes are closed. Cuddling further into his side, she reaches behind her to drape his massive arm around her tiny form. The warmth radiating from his body gave her the comfort that she desperately needed. He chuckles at this, but doesn't refuse her actions.
"Should I take that as a yes?"
His only answer was the soft sounds of her snoring. She'd gone back to sleep. But he knew that she had agreed.
'And she says she doesn't snore.'
He rolls his eyes, chuckles one last time, and finally, does not waste time in joining her in a peaceful slumber.
More to come soon! Mwah!*
~Demi